WISCONSIN
Wisconsin’s farms and agricultural businesses now generate $88.3 billion in economic activity with more than 413,500 jobs, based on data for 2012. This latest data to come from University of Wisconsin-Extension and the University of Wisconsin-Madison is sure to come as good news for dairy farmers, who continue to play a major role in the state’s economy.
“Agriculture remains an important part of the Wisconsin economy,” said Steven Deller, a UW-Extension community development specialist and professor in the UW-Madison agricultural and applied economics department. “Even in the most urban parts of the state, agriculture’s contribution is notable.”
According to a press release, agriculture generated $29 billion more economic activity in Wisconsin in 2012 than in 2007 and an additional 59,509 jobs. In 2012, it accounted for 11.9 percent of the state’s overall employment (up from 10% in 2007), 10.9 percent of labor income, 10.9 percent of total income, and 16.1 percent of industrial sales.
About one in nine people hold jobs relating to agriculture in Wisconsin, including farmers, their employees, and those providing them with goods and services, such as veterinarians, crop and livestock consultants, feed and fuel suppliers, equipment dealers and lenders, and those employed in equipment manufacturing and food processing.
Deller also noted in the report however that though one may traditionally think of Wisconsin as the “Dairy State,” it is becoming more diversified across the state. “Other parts of Wisconsin agriculture such as the beef industry, vegetables, breweries, and more specialized activities like hops, grapes, and wineries are growing in size and importance.”
To read the full report, click here.
